Chrysler adds Fiat power

Fiat's takeover of the Chrysler Group is beginning to pay off for the American company, with a new range of engines that utilise the Italian firm's fuel-saving technology. And Australian consumers could see the benefits as early as this year, when the new Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives.

Despite the short timeframe since Fiat's investment in Chrysler, the two companies have managed to integrate Fiat's new Multiair technology and dual clutch transmission into the new Chrysler powertrain line-up. As expected, Chrysler has added two new Fiat-derived four-cylinder engines and added Multiair to Chrysler's existing 2.4-litre four-pot.

The new four-cylinder engines from Fiat are expected to power a variety of small and mid-sized cars across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands but the company has only revealed that the first model to feature the new engines will be the Fiat 500.

Available in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged variants, the new engines produce 75kW and 128kW respectively. The upgraded 2.4-litre now produces 142kW (up from 125kW) and promises to use less fuel.

The company claims the Multiair technology is good for a consumption and emissions reduction of 10 per cent, power increase of up to 10 per cent and improves low rpm torque by up to 15 per cent.

Chrysler is also adding the new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 to its larger cars, starting with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, promising 33 per cent more power and eight per cent less consumption than the out-going V6.

The American company will also take advantage of Fiat's Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) that is currently in development. Capable of handling engines with up to 350Nm of torque, the new gearbox will be mated to the four-cylinder engines. Chrysler says the new gearbox will appear in midsize models this year.

"Chrysler Group will attain leadership by rapidly applying Fiat Powertrain technologies, such as Multiair, direct injection, turbocharging and transmission systems to its powertrain portfolio," said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Powertrain. "By 2014 calendar year, more than 80 percent of Chrysler Group's current powertrain line-up will undergo a complete makeover."

With the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured) tipped for a release in Australia late this year, Australian buyers will be able to get a first-hand taste of this new technology that will underpin the Chrysler Group future planning.

"[It's] not pie-in-the-sky stuff," Chrysler Australia spokesman, Jerry Stamoulis told the Carsales Network. "They're positive moves -- and they're quick. Adding the MultiAir to the Chrysler Pentastar V6 that will be arriving in the Grand Cherokee -- that's huge, to implement that before the car's even released. It's a small thing, but it shows that [Chrysler Management in the US] they're taking it seriously."

Alfa Romeo Australia has previously indicated it will introduce the DDCT on the MiTo as soon as it becomes available.

New Chrysler powertrain specifications
1.4-litre I-4 FIRE with Multiair
75 kW at 6750 rpm
129 Nm at 4250 rpm

1.4-litre I-4 FIRE Turbo with Multiair
128 kW at 6750 rpm
231 Nm at 3000 rpm

2.4-litre I-4 World Gas Engine with Multiair
142 kW at 6000 rpm (estimated)
237 Nm at 4200 rpm (estimated)

3.6-litre V-6 Pentastar
209 kW at 6400 rpm
353 Nm at 4400 rpm

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